Volume 4: Innovative Solutions for Energy Transitions: Part III

Thermal Performance of a Single Bed Activated Carbon-Ammonia Adsorption Refrigeration System John M, Nydal O. J, Kimambo C.Z.M, Kihedu J

Abstract

This paper describes the thermal performance of an adsorption refrigerator system utilizing activated carbon-ammonia pair. The experiment was done by using thermal energy supplied by electric tape heater to the adsorber at selected temperature of 110°C with varied desorption time from 1 to 4 hours. Records of energy consumption, temperatures for adsorber, condenser, evaporator cold chamber and adsorber pressure were taken. The prototype tested attained evaporator cold chamber temperatures varying from 4.8°C to -0.6°C for desorption times of 1 to 4 hours. These temperatures are relevant to the vaccine storage requirement of 2C to 8C. Therefore, this adsorption refrigeration technology, which can be easily manufactured in least industrialised countries is a promising solution for off grid application.

Keywords thermal performance, adsorption refrigeration, activated carbon-ammonia